Device for improving performance in kicking sports

ABSTRACT

A device constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure may include one or more ball impact sensors operationally coupled to one or more tactile feedback components. The sensors may be positionable upon one or more surfaces of a shoe. The device may generate a tactile sensation when one or more sensors detect a ball impact.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/831,617, filed Jun. 6, 2013 by the present inventors.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to providing immediate feedback toathletes during sports training. Specifically, the disclosure relates tosports that involve kicking a ball. Some examples are soccer, Americanfootball, and rugby.

In a kicking sport such as soccer, there may be multiple kickingtechniques. Each kicking technique may involve an athlete making contactwith a ball using a specific surface of a shoe. However, a noviceathlete may tend to make contact with the ball using a suboptimalsurface of the shoe.

For example, in soccer, one such kicking technique is called a straightkick. In a straight kick, an athlete kicks a ball with a top surface ofa shoe. An amateur athlete may attempt a straight kick but incorrectlystrike the ball with a forward tip of the shoe. This may reduce theaccuracy and power of the kick. In some cases, this may even causeinjury to the athlete.

Many different devices have been proposed to train athletes to kick aball with specific surfaces of a shoe. Prior devices may provideauditory feedback, visual feedback, or both auditory and visual feedbackwhen an athlete uses an optimal surface of a shoe. Some devices thatprovide auditory feedback are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,711,043(Johnson et. al), U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,437 (Dudley), U.S. Pat. No.5,897,446 (Krause & Wiseman), and U.S. Pat. No. 6,808,462 (Snyder et.al).

However, auditory feedback may not provide physical reinforcement to aidkinesthetic learning. In other words, auditory feedback may not providea physical sensation to help an athlete associate his or her method ofperforming a particular kicking technique with a correct execution ofthe kicking technique. Additionally, auditory feedback may beproblematic in a group training setting. For example, auditory feedbackfrom an athlete's device may confuse or distract other athletes who arepracticing nearby.

Likewise, visual feedback may not provide physical reinforcement to aidkinesthetic learning. Additionally, visual feedback near an athlete'sfoot may encourage the athlete to look down at his or her foot after akick. Looking down may be distracting and undesirable in many kickingtechniques.

SUMMARY

To overcome these deficiencies, a device constructed in accordance withan embodiment of the present disclosure may include one or more ballimpact sensors, operationally coupled to one or more tactile feedbackcomponents. The sensors may be positionable on one or more surfaces of ashoe. The device may generate a tactile sensation when one or moresensors detect a ball impact.

A device constructed in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent disclosure may include one or more ball impact sensors,operationally coupled to one or more circuits. The one or more circuitsmay generate a tactile sensation in response to a ball impact.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, amethod of enhancing performance in kicking sports may includerecognizing a ball impact on one or more surfaces of a shoe, producingtactile feedback related to the ball impact, and conveying the tactilefeedback to an individual.

A device constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure may produce tactile feedback, which may provide severaladvantages over auditory feedback or visual feedback. Tactile feedbackmay provide physical reinforcement to aid kinesthetic learning. In otherwords, tactile feedback may provide a physical sensation to help anathlete associate his or her method of performing a kicking techniquewith a correct execution of the kicking technique. Furthermore, tactilefeedback may enable a discrete training experience, since tactilefeedback may only be sensible to the athlete using the device.Additionally, the athlete may maintain concentration because he or shemay not need to look down at his or her foot after the kick to receivefeedback. Thus, tactile feedback may enhance an athlete's engagement andfocus during a practice session.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top orthogonal view of a first device constructed inaccordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a bottom orthogonal view of the first device;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the first device operationallyattached to a first soccer shoe;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the first device in contact with asoccer ball;

FIG. 5 is a top orthogonal view of the first device and an enclosedfirst circuit;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the first circuit;

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the first circuit;

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of the first circuit;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a second device, a second soccershoe, constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a third device constructed inaccordance with a third embodiment of the present disclosure andoperationally attached to a top surface of the first shoe;

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the third device operationallyattached to an outstep surface of the first shoe;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the third device operationallyattached to an instep surface of the first shoe;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a fourth device constructed inaccordance with a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure andoperationally attached to the first shoe;

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a fifth device constructed inaccordance with a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure andoperationally attached to the first shoe;

FIG. 15 is a circuit diagram of a second circuit present in the fifthdevice;

FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of a sixth device constructed inaccordance with a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure andoperationally attached to the first shoe;

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of a seventh device constructed inaccordance with a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a back perspective view of the seventh device;

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the seventh device operationallyattached to the first shoe;

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of an eighth device constructed inaccordance with an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a back perspective view of the eighth device;

FIG. 22 is a circuit diagram of a third circuit present in the eighthdevice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Structure of the FirstEmbodiment

FIGS. 1 through 8 show aspects of a device 1 constructed in accordancewith a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 shows a top view of device 1. Device 1 includes an assembly 10for releasably positioning device 1 on a shoe. Assembly 10 includes apouch 11, a strap 12, and a strap 13. Strap 12 includes a top side 12 amade of hook tape. Strap 12 connects to pouch 11. Pouch 11 is made ofneoprene. Pouch 11 connects to strap 13. Strap 13 includes a top side 13a made of neoprene.

Assembly 10 may have many variations. Strap 12, strap 13, and pouch 11may be manufactured with other materials such as leather, canvas,rubber, silicone, or plastic. Alternatively, strap 12, strap 13, andpouch 11 may be made entirely of hook and loop tape. Instead of hook andloop tape, assembly 10 may use snaps, buckles, or clips to create areleasable bond between straps 12 and 13. Alternatively, straps 12 and13 may be replaced with one or more plastic zip ties or one or more hookand loop cable ties.

FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of device 1. FIG. 2 depicts strap 12 with abottom side 12 b made of neoprene. FIG. 2 depicts strap 13 with a bottomside 13 b made of loop tape.

FIG. 3 shows device 1 operationally attached to a soccer shoe 20.Assembly 10 is releasably positioned on soccer shoe 20. Pouch 11 sits ona top surface 21 a of shoe 20, above a shoelaces component 22. Straps 12and 13 wrap around shoe 20. Top side 12 a of strap 12 attaches to bottomside 13 b of strap 13 under a sole 23 of shoe 20.

FIG. 4 shows pouch 11 in contact with a soccer ball 30.

FIG. 5 shows a top view of device 1. Pouch 11 is an enclosure, whichholds a circuit 40. Circuit 40 includes a circuit board 40 a. A tactileswitch 41 is mounted on a top surface 40 b of circuit board 40 a.

FIG. 6 shows a top perspective view of circuit 40. Like FIG. 5, FIG. 6depicts tactile switch 41 mounted on top surface 40 b of circuit board40 a. Additionally, FIG. 6 partially shows a battery retainer 42 and apancake style vibrating motor 43 mounted on a bottom surface 40 c ofcircuit board 40 a.

FIG. 7 shows a bottom perspective view of circuit 40. In addition tobattery retainer 42 and vibrating motor 43, a capacitor 45, an NPN BJTtransistor 46, and a resistor 47 are mounted on bottom surface 40 c ofcircuit board 40 a. Battery retainer 42 holds a coin cell battery 44.

FIG. 8 shows a circuit diagram of circuit 40. A positive terminal 44 aof battery 44 connects to a terminal 41 a of tactile switch 41 and aterminal 43 a of vibrating motor 43. A terminal 41 b of tactile switch41 connects to a terminal 47 a of resistor 47 and a positive terminal 45a of capacitor 45. A terminal 43 b of vibrating motor 43 connects to acollector terminal 46 a of NPN BJT transistor 46. A terminal 47 b ofresistor 47 connects to a base terminal 46 b of transistor 46. A groundterminal 45 b of capacitor 45 and an emitter terminal 46 c of transistor46 connect to a ground terminal 44 b of battery 44.

Operation of the First Embodiment

To use device 1, an athlete first selects a kicking technique topractice. Then, the athlete attaches device 1 to a shoe, positioningpouch 11 on an optimal surface for the selected kicking technique. Next,the athlete performs the selected kicking technique, making contact witha ball. If the athlete kicks the ball using the optimal surface of theshoe, device 1 provides a tactile sensation as feedback. If the athletekicks the ball using a suboptimal surface of the shoe, device 1 does notprovide tactile feedback. Thus, the athlete is able to determine whetheror not he or she executed the selected kicking technique using theoptimal surface of the shoe. Without supplementary tactile feedback, theathlete may find it difficult to determine whether or not he or sheexecuted the selected kicking technique using the optimal surface of theshoe.

If the athlete receives tactile feedback from a kick, he or she mayattempt to receive tactile feedback from subsequent kicks. In order tocontinue receiving tactile feedback, the athlete may maintain his or hermethod of performing the selected kicking technique and may continue tokick the ball with the optimal surface of the shoe. If the athlete doesnot receive tactile feedback from a kick, he or she may attempt toreceive tactile feedback from subsequent kicks. In order to receivetactile feedback, the athlete may modify his or her method of performingthe selected kicking technique to use the optimal surface of the shoe.By repeatedly kicking the ball with the optimal surface of the shoe, theathlete may build proficiency in the selected kicking technique.

When an athlete performs a selected kicking technique, the ball may movealong a certain flight path. Device 1 may be designed to minimallyaffect the flight path of the ball. If a device protrudes significantlyfrom a shoe, it may alter the shape of the shoe's contact surfaces withthe ball. Altering the shape of the shoe's contact surfaces mayundesirably affect the flight path of the ball. Thus, it may beadvantageous to minimize the protrusion of device 1 from the shoe. Forexample, device 1 may be manufactured to protrude no more than 0.75inches from the shoe. Manufacturing device 1 with flexible materials mayaid in minimizing the protrusion of device 1. Additionally,manufacturing device 1 with low-profile electronic components such aspancake-style vibrating motor 43 may further aid in minimizing theprotrusion of device 1.

In FIG. 3, an athlete has attached device 1 to shoe 20 by positioningassembly 10 on shoe 20. Specifically, an athlete has wrapped straps 12and 13 around the shoe and pressed hook tape surface 12 a and loop tapesurface 13 b together to create a releasable bond. The hook and looptape releasable bond makes assembly 10 adjustable to fit a plurality ofshoe sizes. Other types of releasable bonds may also make assembly 10adjustable to fit a plurality of shoe sizes.

In FIG. 3, the athlete has positioned pouch 11 on top surface 21 a ofshoe 20 in order to practice a soccer kicking technique called astraight kick. This positioning ensures that device 1 will providetactile feedback when the athlete kicks a ball using top surface 21 a ofshoe 20. Other kicking techniques may use other surfaces of shoe 20. Topractice other kicking techniques, the athlete may position pouch 11 ona different surface of shoe 20.

In FIG. 4, the athlete is in the midst of correctly executing a straightkick. Device 1 comes in contact with ball 30 at the approximate positionof pouch 11. As shown in FIG. 5, circuit 40 and its mounted tactileswitch 41 are located inside neoprene pouch 11. Since pouch 11 is madefrom a cushioning material such as neoprene, pouch 11 dampens the forceof the ball impact on circuit 40 and its components. When device 1 comesin contact with ball 30, tactile switch 41 acts as a ball impact sensor.The contact with ball 30 depresses tactile switch 41. When depressed,the switch changes state from open to closed. This begins the electricaloperation of circuit 40.

FIG. 8 shows tactile switch 41 in an initially open state. When theswitch changes to a closed state, electric current flows into capacitor45 and through resistor 47 into base terminal 46 b of transistor 46.Because there are no components with significant resistance betweenpositive terminal 44 a of battery 44 and positive terminal 45 a ofcapacitor 45, the capacitor quickly charges up to full capacity. Acurrent on base terminal 46 b of transistor 46 turns on the transistorand causes current to flow between collector terminal 46 a and emitterterminal 46 c. When current flows through transistor 46, current alsoflows into vibrating motor 43. Vibrating motor 43 acts as a tactilefeedback component. When current flows through the vibrating motor, itvibrates. This creates a tactile sensation for the athlete.

After the momentary contact between pouch 11 and ball 30, the ball nolonger depresses tactile switch 41 and the switch changes state fromclosed back to open. Then, capacitor 45 begins to discharge throughresistor 47 into base terminal 46 b of transistor 46. This keeps currentflowing between collector terminal 46 a and emitter terminal 46 c oftransistor 46 and through vibrating motor 43 for a short duration untilcapacitor 45 is discharged. This results in a short duration of tactilesensation for the athlete.

Many different circuits with different components than circuit 40 may bedesigned to produce similar results as circuit 40. For example, insteadof using coin cell battery 44, a circuit may use a thin flexible batteryor a cylindrical cell battery. Additionally, a circuit may use arechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Instead of usingpancake style vibrating motor 43, a circuit may use a cylindricalvibrating motor. Instead of using a single tactile switch 41, a circuitmay use multiple tactile switches. Instead of using one or more tactileswitches, a circuit may use one or more piezoelectric sensors. Insteadof using an NPN BJT transistor 46, a circuit may use a MOSFETtransistor. Instead of using a circuit board to connect the components,a circuit may use wires to connect the components. Instead of using acircuit board to keep the components colocated, a circuit may use shrinktubing to keep the components colocated.

Furthermore, a circuit may be designed to produce different patterns oftactile feedback. For example, instead of producing a short duration ofcontinuous vibrating feedback, a circuit may produce a short duration ofintermittent vibrating feedback.

Additionally, while device 1 provides tactile feedback when an athletekicks a ball using an optimal surface of a shoe for a selected kickingtechnique, device 1 may be adapted to provide tactile feedback when anathlete kicks a ball using a suboptimal surface of the shoe for theselected kicking technique. In this case, the athlete may interpret atactile sensation as negative feedback. The tactile sensation mayindicate that he or she should modify his or her method of performingthe selected kicking technique in order to use the optimal surface ofthe shoe.

While device 1 has been illustrated in terms of improving performance inthe sport of soccer, device 1 may be capable of improving performance inother kicking sports including, but not limited to, American footballand rugby.

Structure of the Second Embodiment

FIG. 9 shows a shoe 50 constructed in accordance with a secondembodiment of the present disclosure. Shoe 50 includes a top surface 51a, an outstep surface 51 b, and an instep surface 51 c. Shoe 50 furtherincludes a tongue 52 specially adapted to hold circuit 40.

Operation of the Second Embodiment

Shoe 50 is adapted to practice a straight kick in soccer. When anathlete wearing shoe 50 strikes a ball using top surface 51 a of shoe50, the ball presses against tongue 52, which depresses tactile switch41. Like in the operation of device 1, depressing tactile switch 41triggers a short duration of tactile feedback for the athlete.

Shoe 50 may be adapted to practice additional kicking techniques byembedding circuit 40 or an equivalent circuit in additional surfaces ofthe shoe. For example, circuit 40 may be embedded in outstep surface 51b so that an athlete may practice outstep pass kicks. Similarly, circuit40 may be embedded in instep surface 51 c so that an athlete maypractice instep pass kicks. If shoe 50 is adapted to not include atongue 52, circuit 40 may be embedded directly in top surface 51 a.Circuit 40 or an equivalent circuit may be embedded in other surfaces ofshoe 50 for practicing other kicking techniques.

Structure of the Third Embodiment

FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 show a device 60 constructed in accordance with athird embodiment of the present disclosure. Device 60 includes a strapassembly 61 for releasably positioning device 60 on shoe 20. Strapassembly 61 is constructed with a stretchable material such as elastic,rubber, or silicone. Strap assembly 61 includes a strap 61 a and a pouch62 attached to strap 61 a. Pouch 62 holds circuit 40.

Operation of the Third Embodiment

To use device 60, an athlete first selects a kicking technique topractice. Then, the athlete slides strap assembly 61 over shoe 20,positioning pouch 62 on an optimal surface of shoe 20 for the selectedkicking technique. In FIG. 10, the athlete has positioned pouch 62 ontop surface 21 a of shoe 20 in order to practice a straight kick. Whenthe athlete strikes a ball using top surface 21 a of shoe 20, the ballpresses against pouch 62, which depresses tactile switch 41. Like in theoperation of device 1, depressing tactile switch 41 triggers a shortduration of tactile feedback for the athlete.

Like device 1, device 60 may be positioned on different surfaces of shoe20 in order to practice different kicking techniques. For example, inFIG. 11, the athlete has positioned pouch 62 on an outstep surface 21 bof shoe 20 in order to practice an outstep pass kick. In FIG. 12, theathlete has positioned pouch 62 on an instep surface 21 c of shoe 20 inorder to practice an instep pass kick.

Structure of the Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 13 shows a device 70 constructed in accordance with a fourthembodiment of the present disclosure. Device 70 includes a strapassembly 71 for releasably positioning device 70 on shoe 20. Strapassembly 71 includes a stretchable strap 71 a. Unlike strap assembly 61,strap assembly 71 includes a plurality of pouches 72 a, 72 b, and 72 c.Each pouch 72 a, 72 b, and 72 c is attached to strap 71 a; each pouch isspaced apart from the other pouches, and each pouch holds an instance ofcircuit 40.

Operation of the Fourth Embodiment

Unlike an athlete using device 60, an athlete using device 70 does notselect a single kicking technique to practice before using the device.Instead, the athlete properly positions device 70 and may practicestraight kicks, outstep pass kicks, and instep pass kicks withoutrepositioning device 70.

To properly position device 70, the athlete slides strap assembly 71over shoe 20, positioning pouch 72 a on top surface 21 a of shoe 20.This positioning ensures that pouch 72 b is positioned on outstepsurface 21 b of shoe 20, and pouch 72 c is positioned on instep surface21 c of shoe 20.

When the athlete kicks a ball with top surface 21 a of shoe 20, the ballpresses against pouch 72 a, causing the instance of circuit 40 insidepouch 72 a to produce a short duration of tactile feedback. Similarly,when the athlete kicks the ball with outstep surface 21 b, the instanceof circuit 40 inside pouch 72 b produces a short duration of tactilefeedback. Similarly, when the athlete kicks the ball with instep surface21 c, the instance of circuit 40 inside pouch 72 c produces a shortduration of tactile feedback.

In one variation of device 70, each pouch may hold a different circuit.Pouch 72 a may hold a first circuit; pouch 72 b may hold a secondcircuit, and pouch 72 c may hold a third circuit. Each circuit may beconfigured to produce a unique pattern of tactile feedback in responseto a ball impact. The unique pattern of tactile feedback identifies aspecific surface of shoe 20 that made contact with a ball. For example,the first circuit inside pouch 72 a may produce one short pulse ofvibration in response to a ball impact; the second circuit inside pouch72 b may produce two short pulses of vibration, and the third circuitinside pouch 72 c may produce three short pulses of vibration.

Structure of the Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 14 shows a device 80 constructed in accordance with a fifthembodiment of the present disclosure. Device 80 includes a strapassembly 81 for releasably positioning device 80 on shoe 20. Strapassembly 81 includes a stretchable strap 81 a. Similarly to strapassembly 71, strap assembly 81 includes a plurality of pouches. Strapassembly 81 includes a pouch 82 a, a pouch 82 b, and a pouch 82 c.

As shown in FIG. 14, device 80 includes a circuit 84. Circuit 84includes a circuit board 84 a. Circuit 84 also includes a plurality oftactile switches 85, 86, and 87. Circuit 84 further includes a pluralityof electrically conductive wires 83 a, 83 b, 83 c, and 83 d. Tactileswitch 85 is mounted on circuit board 84 a. Pouch 82 a holds circuitboard 84 a and tactile switch 85; pouch 82 b holds tactile switch 86,and pouch 82 c holds tactile switch 87. Wires 83 a, 83 b, 83 c, and 83 dare located inside strap assembly 81. Wires 83 a and 83 b connecttactile switch 86 to circuit board 84 a. Wires 83 c and 83 d connecttactile switch 87 to circuit board 84 a.

FIG. 15 is a circuit diagram of circuit 84. Circuit 84 is similar tocircuit 40. Like circuit 40, circuit 84 includes vibrating motor 43,battery 44, capacitor 45, transistor 46, and resistor 47.

Circuit 84 is also different than circuit 40. In circuit 40, positiveterminal 44 a of battery 44 connects to one tactile switch. In circuit84, positive terminal 44 a of battery 44 connects to three tactileswitches, wired in parallel. Specifically, positive terminal 44 aconnects to a terminal 85 a of tactile switch 85. Positive terminal 44 aalso connects to a terminal 86 a of tactile switch 86 via wire 83 a.Positive terminal 44 a further connects to a terminal 87 a of tactileswitch 87 via wire 83 c. A terminal 85 b of tactile switch 85 connectsto terminal 47 a of resistor 47 and terminal 45 a of capacitor 45. Aterminal 86 b of tactile switch 86 connects to terminal 47 a of resistor47 and terminal 45 a of capacitor 45 via wire 83 b. A terminal 87 b oftactile switch 87 connects to terminal 47 a of resistor 47 and terminal45 a of capacitor 45 via wire 83 d.

Operation of the Fifth Embodiment

Similarly to device 70, device 80 may be used to practice straightkicks, outstep pass kicks, and instep pass kicks without repositioningthe device. FIG. 14 shows device 80 properly positioned on shoe 20. Toproperly position device 80, the athlete slides strap assembly 81 overshoe 20, positioning pouch 82 a on top surface 21 a of shoe 20.

When the athlete kicks a ball with top surface 21 a, outstep surface 21b, or instep surface 21 c of shoe 20, the ball presses against pouch 82a, 82 b, or 82 c, respectively. The ball pressing against pouch 82 a, 82b, or 82 c depresses tactile switch 85, 86, or 87, respectively.

The electrical operation of circuit 84 is similar to the electricaloperation of circuit 40. In circuit 40, when tactile switch 41 isdepressed, electric current flows through the depressed switch, whichcauses vibrating motor 43 to vibrate for a short duration of time.Similarly, in circuit 84, when tactile switch 85, 86, or 87 isdepressed, electric current flows through the depressed switch, whichcauses vibrating motor 43 to vibrate for a short duration of time.

Structure of the Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 16 shows a device 90 constructed in accordance with a sixthembodiment of the present disclosure. Device 90 includes a strapassembly 91 for releasably positioning device 90 on shoe 20. Strapassembly 91 comprises a pouch 92, a thin stretchable strap 91 a, and athin stretchable strap 91 b. Pouch 92 holds circuit 40 and connects tostrap 91 a and strap 91 b. Strap 91 a wraps around shoe 20 between cleat24 a and cleat 24 b. Strap 91 b wraps around shoe 20 between cleat 24 band cleat 24 c. Alternatively, straps 91 a and 91 b may wrap around shoe20 between other cleats. Additionally, strap assembly 91 may comprisemore than two straps.

Operation of the Sixth Embodiment

Device 90 comprises thin straps. An athlete may position thin strapsbetween cleats, as shown in FIG. 16. Positioning straps between cleatsallows the athlete to position device 90 on a variety of surfaces ofshoe 20. Different surfaces of shoe 20 correspond to different kickingtechniques. The athlete may position device 90 on a forward top surface21 d, a forward outstep surface 21 e, and a forward instep surface 21 f.The athlete may also position device 90 on top surface 21 a, outstepsurface 21 b, and instep surface 21 c. These surfaces serve as examplesof possible locations for device 90. The athlete may also positiondevice 90 on other surfaces of shoe 20.

In FIG. 16, the athlete has positioned device 90 for practicing a soccerkicking technique called dribbling. To dribble, the athlete movesforward with ball 30 by repeatedly tapping ball 30 using forward topsurface 21 d of shoe 20. If the athlete correctly taps the ball usingforward top surface 21 d of shoe 20, the ball presses against pouch 92and momentarily depresses tactile switch 41. Depressing tactile switch41 causes circuit 40 to produce a short duration of tactile feedback forthe athlete. The tactile feedback indicates to the athlete that he orshe has tapped the ball with a desirable surface of the shoe fordribbling.

Structure of the Seventh Embodiment

FIGS. 17, 18, and 19 show a device 100 constructed in accordance with aseventh embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 shows a frontperspective view of device 100. As shown in FIG. 17, device 100 includesan assembly 101 for releasably positioning device 100 on shoe 20.Assembly 101 comprises a rigid enclosure 101 a. Enclosure 101 a holdscircuit 40 and encloses all components of circuit 40 except a buttonportion 41 c of tactile switch 41. Button portion 41 c protrudes fromthe surface of enclosure 101 a. Assembly 101 may be made of plastic,metal, or other rigid materials.

FIG. 18 shows a back perspective view of device 100. As shown in FIG.18, assembly 101 further comprises a clip 102. Clip 102 is attached to aback of enclosure 101 a.

FIG. 19 shows device 100 operationally mounted on shoe 20. Clip 102 isattached to a shoelace section 22 a of shoelaces 22. Specifically,shoelace section 22 a resides between clip 102 and enclosure 101 a.

Operation of the Seventh Embodiment

To use device 100, an athlete first selects a kicking technique topractice. For example, the athlete may select straight kicks, dribbling,or juggling to practice during a soccer training session. In FIG. 19,the athlete has mounted device 100 to practice straight kicks. Theathlete has clipped device 100 to a middle shoelace section 22 a ofshoelaces 22. When the athlete kicks a ball using top surface 21 a ofshoe 20, the ball depresses button portion 41 c of tactile switch 41,causing circuit 40 to produce a short duration of tactile feedback.

To practice dribbling or juggling, the athlete may clip device 100 to aforward section 22 b of shoelaces 22. When the athlete kicks the ballusing forward top surface 21 d of shoe 20, device 100 produces a shortduration of tactile feedback.

Structure of the Eighth Embodiment

FIGS. 20, 21, and 22 show a device 110 constructed in accordance with aneighth embodiment of the present disclosure. Like device 100, device 110includes assembly 101. Unlike device 100, device 110 includes a circuit111 instead of circuit 40. Enclosure 101 a of assembly 101 holds circuit111 and encloses all components of circuit 111 except button portion 41c of tactile switch 41. Button portion 41 c protrudes from the surfaceof enclosure 101 a.

FIG. 22 shows a circuit diagram of circuit 111. Positive terminal 44 aof battery 44 connects to terminal 41 a of tactile switch 41, a drainterminal 114 a of an N-channel MOSFET transistor 114, and a terminal 113a of a cylindrical vibrating motor 113. Terminal 41 b of tactile switch41 connects to a positive terminal 112 a of a microcontroller integratedcircuit 112. A source terminal 114 c of transistor 114 also connects topositive terminal 112 a of microcontroller 112. A ground terminal 112 bof microcontroller 112 connects to ground terminal 44 b of battery 44.An output terminal 112 c of microcontroller 112 connects to a gateterminal 114 b of transistor 114, a gate terminal 115 b of an N-channelMOSFET transistor 115, and a terminal 116 a of a resistor 116. Aterminal 113 b of vibrating motor 113 connects to a drain terminal 115 aof transistor 115. A source terminal 115 c of transistor 115 connects toground terminal 44 b of battery 44. A terminal 116 b of resistor 116connects to ground terminal 44 b of battery 44.

Circuit 111 may comprise different components than the componentsillustrated in FIG. 22 to produce similar results. For example, motor113 may be a pancake style vibrating motor like motor 43 in circuit 40.Motor 113 may also be a different type of vibrating motor. Additionally,transistors 114 and 115 may be NPN BJT transistors instead of N-channelMOSFET transistors. Circuit 111 may also be modified to use PNP BJTtransistors, P-channel MOSFET transistors, or other types oftransistors.

Operation of the Eighth Embodiment

Like device 100, depicted in FIG. 19, device 110 is clipped to ashoelace portion of shoe 20. Device 110 vibrates when the athlete kicksa ball using a surface of shoe 20 located near device 110.

Circuit 111 uses a different set of components than circuit 40 butperforms a similar function as circuit 40. Like circuit 40, circuit 111produces a short duration of tactile feedback when tactile switch 41 ismomentarily depressed.

FIG. 22 shows tactile switch 41 in an initially open state. When theswitch changes to a closed state, electric current flows into positiveterminal 112 a of microcontroller 112. This turns on microcontroller112. As soon as microcontroller 112 turns on, it produces a high voltageon output terminal 112 c. The high voltage is similar in value to thevoltage across ground terminal 44 b and positive terminal 44 a ofbattery 44. The high voltage appears at gate terminal 114 b oftransistor 114, which causes transistor 114 to turn on. When transistor114 turns on, current flows through transistor 114 from drain terminal114 a to source terminal 114 c. When current flows through transistor114, current flows from positive terminal 44 a of battery 44 intopositive terminal 112 a of microcontroller 112. Thus, when tactileswitch 41 changes back to an open state, microcontroller 112 remains inan on state.

The high voltage microcontroller 112 produces on output terminal 112 calso appears at gate terminal 115 b of transistor 115, which causestransistor 115 to turn on. When transistor 115 turns on, current flowsfrom positive terminal 44 a of battery 44, through motor 113, throughdrain terminal 115 a and source terminal 115 c of transistor 115, and toground terminal 44 b of battery 44. When current flows through motor113, it vibrates.

Microcontroller 112 is programmed to keep output terminal 112 c at highvoltage for a short duration of time after it turns on. After the shortduration of time elapses, microcontroller 112 produces a low voltage onterminal 112 c. A low voltage on terminal 112 c turns off transistors114 and 115. When transistor 114 turns off, microcontroller 112 ceasesto receive current at positive terminal 112 a, so microcontroller 112turns off. When transistor 115 turns off, electric current stops passingthrough motor 113, and motor 113 stops vibrating.

In short, when a ball impact momentarily depresses tactile switch 41,microcontroller 112 turns on. Then, microcontroller 112 outputs a highvoltage on terminal 112 c for a short duration of time. The high voltageon terminal 112 c keeps microcontroller 112 in an on state and activatesmotor 113. After a short duration of time, terminal 112 c drops to a lowvoltage, turning off microcontroller 112 and deactivating motor 113.

Because circuit 111 performs a similar function as circuit 40, circuit111 may replace circuit 40 in any of the aforementioned embodiments inwhich circuit 40 is used. Specifically, circuit 111 may replace circuit40 in devices 1, 50, 60, 70, 90, and 100.

Many different circuits with different components than circuit 111 maybe implemented to produce similar results as circuit 111. For example,instead of using a single microcontroller integrated circuit, a circuitmay use multiple integrated circuits such as a 555 timer and a counterto drive a vibrating motor for a short duration after a tactile switchis momentarily depressed.

In another variation of circuit 111, circuit 111 may be designed to usea piezoelectric sensor instead of tactile switch 41. A piezoelectricsensor may produce a signal representative of the magnitude of the forcean athlete used to kick a ball. Microcontroller 112 may analyze thesignal to determine the magnitude of the force. Microcontroller 112 maythen turn on vibrating motor 113 for a duration of time proportional tothe magnitude of the force. For example, when an athlete is dribbling,the athlete may strike the ball lightly, and microcontroller 112 mayturn on vibrating motor 113 for a short duration of time. When theathlete is striking the ball toward a goal, the athlete may strike theball with significant force, and microcontroller 112 may turn onvibrating motor 113 for a longer duration of time.

In yet another variation of circuit 111, circuit 111 may receive inputfrom a plurality of sensors positioned on many different surfaces of ashoe. Each sensor may produce a signal routed to microcontroller 112.Microcontroller 112 may then analyze the sensor signals and causevibrating motor 113 to produce tactile feedback based on an analysis ofthe signals. For example, microcontroller 112 may determine the firstsensor that made contact with a ball, out of a plurality of sensorspositioned on a top surface of a shoe. If the first sensor that madecontact with the ball is positioned centrally on the top surface of theshoe, microcontroller 112 may cause vibrating motor 113 to produce alonger duration of vibrating feedback, indicating optimal contact withthe ball. If the first sensor that made contact with the ball ispositioned off-center from the top surface of the shoe, microcontroller112 may cause vibrating motor 113 to produce a shorter duration ofvibrating feedback, indicating suboptimal contact with the ball.

CONCLUSION

Thus, it should be clear that at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure promotes a more engaging, focused, and productive kinestheticlearning experience for various kicking techniques. While the abovedescription states many specific details, these details should not beinterpreted as limitations on scope, but rather as examples of possibleembodiments. Many other variations are possible. Accordingly, the scopeshould not be determined by the embodiments illustrated, but by theappended claims and their legal equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for training various kicking techniques,comprising: at least one sensor, positionable on at least one surface ofa shoe, for detecting a ball impact; and at least one tactile feedbackcomponent, operationally coupled to said at least one sensor, forgenerating a tactile sensation in response to said at least one sensordetecting said ball impact, whereby said device provides tactilefeedback to a user, and said feedback relates to said user's executionof said kicking techniques, and said feedback aids said user's trainingof said kicking techniques.
 2. The device of claim 1, further comprisingan assembly for releasably positioning said device on said shoe.
 3. Thedevice of claim 2, wherein said assembly comprises at least one strapfor releasably positioning said device on said shoe.
 4. The device ofclaim 3, wherein said at least one strap comprises at least onestretchable strap for releasably positioning said device on said shoe.5. The device of claim 2, wherein said assembly comprises at least onehook tape component and at least one loop tape component for releasablypositioning said device on said shoe.
 6. The device of claim 2, whereinsaid assembly comprises a clip for releasably positioning said device onsaid shoe.
 7. The device of claim 2, wherein said assembly comprises acushioning material for dampening the force of said ball impact on atleast one of said at least one sensor and said at least one tactilefeedback component.
 8. The device of claim 2 wherein said assembly isadjustable to fit a plurality of shoe sizes.
 9. The device of claim 1,further comprising at least one enclosure for holding at least one ofsaid at least one sensor and said at least one tactile feedbackcomponent.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein said at least oneenclosure comprises at least one pouch for holding at least one of saidat least one sensor and said at least one tactile feedback component.11. The device of claim 9, wherein said enclosure comprises a flexiblematerial.
 12. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least onecircuit for operationally coupling said at least one sensor to said atleast one tactile feedback component.
 13. The device of claim 1, whereinsaid device is configured to minimally protrude from said shoe.
 14. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein said device is configured to protrude no morethan 0.75 inches from said shoe.
 15. The device of claim 1, wherein saidat least one sensor comprises at least one tactile switch for detectingsaid ball impact.
 16. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least onesensor comprises at least one piezoelectric sensor for detecting saidball impact.
 17. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least onesurface of said shoe comprises at least one of a top surface of saidshoe, an outstep surface of said shoe, an instep surface of said shoe, aforward top surface of said shoe, a forward outstep surface of saidshoe, and a forward instep surface of said shoe.
 18. The device of claim1, wherein said at least one tactile feedback component comprises atleast one vibrating motor for generating said tactile sensation.
 19. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein said shoe is adapted for positioning said atleast one sensor near said at least one surface of said shoe.
 20. Apowered device, positionable on a shoe, comprising: at least one sensorfor detecting a ball impact; and at least one circuit, operationallycoupled to said at least one sensor, for generating a tactile sensationin response to said ball impact.
 21. The device of claim 20, wherein:said at least one sensor is configured to produce at least one signal;said at least one circuit is configured to perform an analysis of saidat least one signal; and said at least one circuit is configured togenerate said tactile sensation based on said analysis.
 22. The deviceof claim 20, wherein said at least one circuit comprises at least onetactile feedback component for generating said tactile sensation. 23.The device of claim 22, wherein said at least one circuit comprises atleast one transistor for controlling said at least one tactile feedbackcomponent.
 24. The device of claim 22, wherein said at least one circuitcomprises at least one integrated circuit for controlling said at leastone tactile feedback component.
 25. The device of claim 20, furthercomprising at least one battery for powering said at least one circuit.26. A method for improving performance in kicking sports, the methodcomprising: recognizing a ball impact on at least one surface of a shoe;producing tactile feedback, related to said ball impact; and conveyingsaid tactile feedback to an individual.
 27. The method of claim 26,further comprising initially positioning at least one ball impact sensoron said at least one surface of said shoe.
 28. The method of claim 26,further comprising said individual modifying a method of performing akicking technique in response to said tactile feedback.
 29. The methodof claim 26, further comprising said individual maintaining a method ofperforming a kicking technique in response to said tactile feedback.